CompTIA A+ 220-802 Certification Exam Objectives
CompTIA A+ 220-802 Certification Exam Objectives
1.0 Operating Systems
1.1 Compare and contrast the features and requirements of various Microsoft Operating Systems.
Windows XP Home, Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Media Center, Windows XP 64-bit Professional
Windows Vista Home Basic, Windows Vista Home Premium, Windows Vista Business, Windows Vista Ultimate, Windows Vista Enterprise
Windows 7 Starter, Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 7 Professional, Windows 7 Ultimate, Windows 7 Enterprise
Features:
o 32-bit vs. 64-bit
o Aero, gadgets, user account control, bit-locker, shadow copy, system restore, ready boost, sidebar, compatibility mode, XP mode, easy transfer, administrative tools, defender, Windows firewall, security center, event viewer, file structure and paths, category view vs. classic view
Upgrade paths – differences between in place upgrades, compatibility tools, Windows upgrade OS advisor
1.2 Given a scenario, install, and configure the operating system using the most appropriate method.
Boot methods
o USB
o CD-ROM
o DVD
o PXE
Type of installations
o Creating image
o Unattended installation
o Upgrade
o Clean install
o Repair installation
o Multiboot
o Remote network installation
o Image deployment
Partitioning
o Dynamic
o Basic
o Primary
o Extended
o Logical
File system types/formatting
o FAT
o FAT32
o NTFS
o CDFS
o Quick format vs. full format
Load alternate third party drivers when necessary
Workgroup vs. Domain setup
Time/date/region/language settings
Driver installation, software and windows updates
Factory recovery partition
1.3 Given a scenario, use appropriate command line tools.
Networking
o PING
o TRACERT
o NETSTAT
o IPCONFIG
o NET
o NSLOOKUP
o NBTSTAT
OS
o KILL
o BOOTREC
o SHUTDOWN
o TLIST
o MD
o RD
o CD
o DEL
o FDISK
o FORMAT
o COPY
o XCOPY
o ROBOCOPY
o DISKPART
o SFC
o CHKDSK
o [command name] /?
Recovery console
o Fixboot
o Fixmbr
1.4 Given a scenario, use appropriate operating system features and tools.
Administrative
o Computer management
o Device manager
o Users and groups
o Local security policy
o Performance monitor
o Services
o System configuration
o Task scheduler
o Component services
o Data sources
o Print management
o Windows memory diagnostics
o Windows firewall
o Advanced security
MSCONFIG
o General
o Boot
o Services
o Startup
o Tools
Task Manager
o Applications
o Processes
o Performance
o Networking
o Users
Disk management
o Drive status
o Mounting
o Extending partitions
o Splitting partitions
o Assigning drive letters
o Adding drives
o Adding arrays
Other
o User State Migration tool (USMT), File and Settings Transfer Wizard, Windows Easy Transfer
Run line utilities
o MSCONFIG
o REGEDIT
o CMD
o SERVICES.MSC
o MMC
o MSTSC
o NOTEPAD
o EXPLORER
o MSINFO32
o DXDIAG
1.5 Given a scenario, use Control Panel utilities (the items are organized by “classic view/large icons” in Windows).
Common to all Microsoft Operating Systems
o Internet options
Connections
Security
General
Privacy
Programs
Advanced
o Display
Resolution
o User accounts
o Folder options
Sharing
View hidden files
Hide extensions
Layout
o System
Performance (virtual memory)
Hardware profiles
Remote settings
System protection
o Security center
o Windows firewall
o Power options
Hibernate
Power plans
Sleep/suspend
Standby
Unique to Windows XP
o Add/remove programs
o Network connections
o Printers and faxes
o Automatic updates
o Network setup wizard
Unique to Vista
o Tablet PC settings
o Pen and input devices
o Offline files
o Problem reports and solutions
o Printers
Unique to Windows 7
o HomeGroup
o Action center
o Remote applications and desktop applications
o Troubleshooting
1.6 Setup and configure Windows networking on a client/desktop.
HomeGroup, file/print sharing
WorkGroup vs. domain setup
Network shares/mapping drives
Establish networking connections
o VPN
o Dialups
o Wireless
o Wired
o WWAN (Cellular)
Proxy settings
Remote desktop
Home vs. Work vs. Public network settings
Firewall settings
o Exceptions
o Configuration
o Enabling/disabling Windows firewall
Configuring an alternative IP address in Windows
o IP addressing
o Subnet mask
o DNS
o Gateway
Network card properties
o Half duplex/full duplex/auto
o Speed
o Wake-on-LAN
o PoE
o QoS
1.7 Perform preventive maintenance procedures using appropriate tools.
Best practices
o Schedules backups
o Scheduled check disks
o Scheduled defragmentation
o Windows updates
o Patch management
o Driver/firmware updates
o Antivirus updates
Tools
o Backup
o System restore
o Check disk
o Recovery image
o Defrag
1.8 Explain the differences among basic OS security settings.
User and groups
o Administrator
o Power user
o Guest
o Standard user
NTFS vs. Share permissions
o Allow vs. deny
o Moving vs. copying folders and files
o File attributes
Shared files and folders
o Administrative shares vs. local shares
o Permission propagation
o Inheritance
System files and folders
User authentication
o Single sign-on
1.9 Explain the basics of client-side virtualization.
Purpose of virtual machines
Resource requirements
Emulator requirements
Security requirements
Network requirements
Hypervisor
2.0 Security
2.1 Apply and use common prevention methods.
Physical security
o Lock doors
o Tailgating
o Securing physical documents/passwords/shredding
o Biometrics
o Badges
o Key fobs
o RFID badge
o RSA token
o Privacy filters
o Retinal
Digital security
o Antivirus
o Firewalls
o Antispyware
o User authentication/strong passwords
o Directory permissions
User education
Principle of least privilege
2.2 Compare and contrast common security threats.
Social engineering
Malware
Rootkits
Phishing
Shoulder surfing
Spyware
Viruses
o Worms
o Trojans
2.3 Implement security best practices to secure a workstation.
Setting strong passwords
Requiring passwords
Restricting user permissions
Changing default user names
Disabling guest account
Screensaver required password
Disable autorun
2.4 Given a scenario, use the appropriate data destruction/disposal method.
Low level format vs. standard format
Hard drive sanitation and sanitation methods
o Overwrite
o Drive wipe
Physical destruction
o Shredder
o Drill
o Electromagnetic
o Degaussing tool
2.5 Given a scenario, secure a SOHO wireless network.
Change default user-names and passwords
Changing SSID
Setting encryption
Disabling SSID broadcast
Enable MAC filtering
Antenna and access point placement
Radio power levels
Assign static IP addresses
2.6 Given a scenario, secure a SOHO wired network.
Change default usernames and passwords
Enable MAC filtering
Assign static IP addresses
Disabling ports
Physical security
3.0 Mobile Devices
3.1 Explain the basic features of mobile operating systems.
Android vs. iOS
o Open source vs. closed source/vendor specific
o App source (app store and market)
o Screen orientation (accelerometer/gyroscope)
o Screen calibration
o GPS and geotracking
3.2 Establish basic network connectivity and configure email.
Wireless / cellular data network (enable/disable)
Bluetooth
o Enable Bluetooth
o Enable pairing
o Find device for pairing
o Enter appropriate pin code
o Test connectivity
Email configuration
o Server address
POP3
IMAP
Port and SSL settings
o Exchange
o Gmail
3.3 Compare and contrast methods for securing mobile devices.
Passcode locks
Remote wipes
Locator applications
Remote backup applications
Failed login attempts restrictions
Antivirus
Patching/OS updates
3.4 Compare and contrast hardware differences in regards to tablets and laptops.
No field serviceable parts
Typically not upgradeable
Touch interface
o Touch flow
o Multitouch
Solid state drives
3.5 Execute and configure mobile device synchronization.
Types of data to synchronize
o Contacts
o Programs
o Email
o Pictures
o Music
o Videos
Software requirements to install the application on the PC
Connection types to enable synchronization
4.0 Troubleshooting
4.1 Given a scenario, explain the troubleshooting theory.
Identify the problem
o Question the user and identify user changes to computer and perform backups before making changes
Establish a theory of probable cause (question the obvious)
Test the theory to determine cause
o Once theory is confirmed determine next steps to resolve problem
o If theory is not confirmed re-establish new theory or escalate
Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem and implement the solution
Verify full system functionality and if applicable implement preventive measures
Document findings, actions and outcomes
4.2 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common problems related to motherboards, RAM, CPU and power with appropriate tools.
Common symptoms
o Unexpected shutdowns
o System lockups
o POST code beeps
o Blank screen on bootup
o BIOS time and settings resets
o Attempts to boot to incorrect device
o Continuous reboots
o No power
o Overheating
o Loud noise
o Intermittent device failure
o Fans spin – no power to other devices
o Indicator lights
o Smoke
o Burning smell
o BSOD
Tools
o Multimeter
o Power supply tester
o Loopback plugs
o POST card
4.3 Given a scenario, troubleshoot hard drives and RAID arrays with appropriate tools.
Common symptoms
o Read/write failure
o Slow performance
o Loud clicking noise
o Failure to boot
o Drive not recognized
o OS not found
o RAID not found
o RAID stops working
o BSOD
Tools
o Screwdriver
o External enclosures
o CHKDSK
o FORMAT
o FDISK
o File recovery software
4.4 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common video and display issues.
Common symptoms
o VGA mode
o No image on screen
o Overheat shutdown
o Dead pixels
o Artifacts
o Color patterns incorrect
o Dim image
o Flickering image
o Distorted image
o Discoloration (degaussing)
o BSOD
4.5 Given a scenario, troubleshoot wired and wireless networks with appropriate tools.
Common symptoms
o No connectivity
o APIPA address
o Limited connectivity
o Local connectivity
o Intermittent connectivity
o IP conflict
o Slow transfer speeds
o Low RF signal
Tools
o Cable tester
o Loopback plug
o Punch down tools
o Toner probes
o Wire strippers
o Crimper
o PING
o IPCONFIG
o TRACERT
o NETSTAT
o NBTSTAT
o NET
o Wireless locator
4.6 Given a scenario, troubleshoot operating system problems with appropriate tools.
Common symptoms
o BSOD
o Failure to boot
o Improper shutdown
o Spontaneous shutdown/restart
o RAID not detected during installation
o Device fails to start
o Missing dll message
o Services fails to start
o Compatibility error
o Slow system performance
o Boots to safe mode
o File fails to open
o Missing NTLDR
o Missing Boot.ini
o Missing operating system
o Missing Graphical Interface
o Graphical Interface fails to load
o Invalid boot disk
Tools
o Fixboot
o Recovery console
o Fixmbr
o Sfc
o Repair disks
o Pre-installation environments
o MSCONFIG
o DEFRAG
o REGSRV32
o REGEDIT
o Event viewer
o Safe mode
o Command prompt
o Emergency repair disk
o Automated system recovery
4.7 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common security issues with appropriate tools and best practices.
Common symptoms
o Pop-ups
o Browser redirection
o Security alerts
o Slow performance
o Internet connectivity issues
o PC locks up
o Windows updates failures
o Rogue antivirus
o Spam
o Renamed system files
o Files disappearing
o File permission changes
o Hijacked email
o Access denied
Tools
o Anti-virus software
o Anti-malware software
o Anti-spyware software
o Recovery console
o System restore
o Pre-installation environments
o Event viewer
Best practices for malware removal
o Identify malware symptoms
o Quarantine infected system
o Disable system restore
o Remediate infected systems
Update anti-virus software
Scan and removal techniques (safe mode, pre-installation environment)
o Schedule scans and updates
o Enable system restore and create restore point
o Educate end user
4.8 Given a scenario, troubleshoot, and repair common laptop issues while adhering to the appropriate procedures.
Common symptoms
o No display
o Dim display
o Flickering display
o Sticking keys
o Intermittent wireless
o Battery not charging
o Ghost cursor
o No power
o Num lock indicator lights
o No wireless connectivity
o No Bluetooth connectivity
o Cannot display to external monitor
Disassembling processes for proper re-assembly
o Document and label cable and screw locations
o Organize parts
o Refer to manufacturer documentation
o Use appropriate hand tools
4.9 Given a scenario, troubleshoot printers with appropriate tools
Common symptoms
o Streaks
o Faded prints
o Ghost images
o Toner not fused to the paper
o Creased paper
o Paper not feeding
o Paper jam
o No connectivity
o Garbled characters on paper
o Vertical lines on page
o Backed up print queue
o Low memory errors
o Access denied
o Printer will not print
o Color prints in wrong print color
o Unable to install printer
o Error codes
Tools
o Maintenance kit
o Toner vacuum
o Compressed air
o Printer spooler
